MULTI-FORMAT BETAS
These VCRs were made for users that traveled around the world and wanted a Betamax for the different television standard of the country where they were presently located. When in a country that had the PAL system it would operate in PAL, same for a country using SECAM, etc. This was especially useful for people in the armed forces or diplomats, travelers, etc. It eliminated the need to buy a separate VCR for each TV system. The more countries a Beta could handle the more featured (and expensive) was the unit. The most extensive model ever produced was the SL-800ME that could handle eight different formats. The only Betas listed are models that included the NTSC (USA) system. Sony wasn't the only manufacturer that made VCRs for other TV standards. And a few others also made a few multiple format Betas. Note: none of these multi-format units converted one standard to another (that required a separate device).
|
